The African American Historical Society of Rockland County fondly remembers Dr. Travis Jackson, a key figure in preserving the history of Hillburn and the fight for desegregation. Dr. Jackson’s deep connection to the Hillburn desegregation case is personal—he was a student at the Brook School during the landmark 1943 battle for equal education in Rockland County. Reflecting on that era, Travis shared, “It always bothered me why my parents sent me back to Brook School. Someone told my father that if he did not send me back…he would lose his Veteran’s pension.”
This fear and intimidation were a reflection of the harsh realities faced by Black families at the time. Dr. Jackson’s father, Ben Jackson, a World War I veteran, had sustained severe lung damage from mustard gas exposure. His pension was critical to his family’s survival, illustrating the lengths to which systemic racism permeated every aspect of life, even for those who had served their country.
Dr. Jackson also believed that the modern civil rights movement began when Black soldiers returned from war. “They just were not going to take it (racism) anymore,” he stated, highlighting the shift in attitudes that propelled the movement forward.
Sadly, Dr. Travis Jackson passed away on June 24, 2021, leaving behind an enduring legacy of advocacy, education, and leadership. In recognition of his contributions to civil rights and local history, we are proud to dedicate the AAHS Historic Hillburn website to Dr. Jackson’s memory. His tireless work ensures that future generations will continue to learn from the struggles and triumphs of Hillburn’s past.
To learn more about Dr. Jackson’s life and contributions, read his full obituary HERE.
Dr. Jackson’s legacy will forever be part of our community, and we are grateful for the impact he made to ensure that the Rockland community and beyond will always remember the fight equality and justice in Hillburn, New York.